greetings everyone! im new here and i've been doing quite a bit of research on this forum and so far its been great/really informative to read insight offered from the users...

so i've come across a REALLY REALLY clean 98 2.8 a4 avant with 58k miles at Carmax for 10,998.

now since its at a pseudo dealer, there isnt any history records available such as maintenance and the like (just your simple carfax report). so there's no telling whether or not the issues that these cars have (timing belt, suspension, etc) have been tended to in the past.

shall i really find the 'Carmax Quality 150-point Inspection' reliable?
"Every CarMax car has been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned so it feels like new. And every car comes with a Limited 30-Day Warranty and a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee so you can relax. It's peace of mind."

along with that, they also offer a 3yr/36k extended 'bumper to bumper' service plan

while im eager to get behind the wheel of my first 'German' car, i also want to make sure my decision is a smart one...so the question is - does this sound like a decent deal? thanx for any input

 

ive been in the backrooms at carmax and personally i would never buy from them, also the fact the car only has 58k on the clock im gonna say the t-b hasent been changed and would get that done before 70-80k. but if theyre offering a warrenty id look into what is covered and whats not then probably would buy it.

 

as long as all the details are on paper then go for it ( but ask for a full tank and car mats )

 

so you think the price is ok?

this is whats covered (theres a link on that page which describes whats NOT covered)
http://carmax.com/dyn/research/warra...red.aspx?nav=0

 

Sounds like a good deal if you dont mind paying extra for the low miles. A typical 98 avant 2.8 in really really good condition with typical mileage (80k+) would sell for roughly $8k. You wouldnt have to worry about major maint. for a while either. If you could talk em down to at least $10k then Id say jump on it. A clean car with low miles. Then again, miles dont always indicate an engines condition. Tell them to knock off $1k because there are no maint/oil changerecords and that makes you feel uncomfortable.

 

id love to negotiate them down to a better price, and im confident i could. but unfortunately carmax doesnt negotiate - theyre a car retailer...or like i said, a pseudo dealer.

 

I wouldn't put much credit in anyone's 8,000 point inspection. They check stuff out but they aren't really going over the car with the fine tooth comb they try to make you think they are.

Mileage is great, but you need a timing belt job by 70k miles (no later on a 98). No ifs, ands, or buts. Thats another $1k to the bill (hopefully you can get it cheaper, but don't plan on it at this point).

You won't know any history, but at 60k miles it probably in decent shape still. You will most likely need to do some control arms and tie rod ends some time before 120k miles (mine were shot around 75k miles on my 98).

Even if its a great car, its way too much money at 11k + 1k for TB + ~200-600 for DIY CAs and TREs + whatever else is wrong with it. For that kind of cash, you can buy a 00 S4 with 80k - 100k miles on it.

My car needed TREs when I bought it about 6 months ago. I paid $7k total for it (privately) and then had toput money into TREs and CAs etc. You should be able to find a 98 for no more than 8k. They all sell under BB.

 

Ohhhhh.. Didnt know what that meant... Hmmm. Never heard of it. At least get them to throw in a set of floor mats or dice for the rear view mirror [sm=bling.gif]

 

i understand the TB issue for sure - as for TRE and CA, those should be covered by the warrantee.
hmmm...starting to second guess the price now

 

Ran this through Blue Book real quick. Not sure of all of the options for that particular Avant, but they're coming back with suggested retail of$13,660for "Excellent" condition. Now i take Blue Book with a grain of salt, and as other's have mentioned, you could probably find something cheaper. But to me, that's not a bad deal for such a low mileage vehicle in such great shape.

The timing belt would be my worry. I would mention to them that in another, say, 10k miles you're going to dump $1,000 into getting the TB done, and if they knew anything about Audi's, would be aware of this which is why they should knock the price down a tick or two. IMO Ask them, "why should i buy this car if i have to dump another $1,000 into it in the next 6 months?" (10k in 6 months is a stretch, but hopefully they'll get your point)

http://www.kbb.com/KBB/UsedCars/Pric...tion=Excellent